William Abbott
(K=207) - Comment Date 5/10/2003
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I used to do the same thing, and still do from time to time. I've done it many different ways, including when I had a pickup, I rigged the bed to be a large platform, which allowed me to get up into the air about 4' higher (great for shooting over the bushes on high hills)
I found it best, to take the back roads, roads where people don't go as often, drive slowly, especially when you see something you like, and move around a bit, sometimes going around the next bend reveals the perfect spot, sometimes you lose the shot, and have to go back.
Let the other cars pass you so you are free to move about at your leisure (esspeically on small roads)
My prefered way is to "get lost" drive out a road, say a major highway in town, and take a road you either know and don't go on often, or have never been on, follow it until you decide to "take this right, or left here" just follow the road, and take other turns, get yourself somewhere you don't really know, then find your way back home when you're done. I used to drive off and get completely lost, then eventually the road came out in a spot I knew well, and I'd head home... some of my best landscape shots (or most unique) were done that way... don't be affraid to get off the beaten path, I'm somewhat untraditional, and if I think someone has taken the same shot, or from the same spot, I won't snap, I instead move, or invent a new way to capture the image (ie walking down the middle of a creek to capture a waterfall in a perspective never before seen)...
Good luck, and do be carefull, some drivers don't pay attention.
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Chris Lauritzen
(K=14949) - Comment Date 5/19/2003
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Checkout this site for some ideas.. http://www.lostamerica.com/lostframe.html
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Andre Knudsen
(K=124) - Comment Date 6/16/2003
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I still do this now and then. My approach is to drive after work on major highways to get away fast. I crash in the car for a few hours and get up before the sun for my trip back which is always on the least used road. I've seen and taken many good pictures this way.
When going really slow I often put on my blinkers, so if a car comes up behind me, won't start honking and get me distractes. I always move over to let them pass
Do stay out of the road to avoid getting hit :)
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Rebecca Phillips
(K=341) - Comment Date 2/10/2004
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I am just a beginner,but that is exactly how I'v got almost everyone of my best shots!!It makes me so proud when I show people my photographs,and they can't beleive they were taken in my hometown, which is very small.There is beauty everywhere,one only has to look for it!! Also, since I am from a small town, it took about a year for people to stop asking me if I was having car trouble.....I hope I never really do!!
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Joe Blow
(K=1918) - Comment Date 2/11/2004
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I bring orange cones with me and set them out around my vehicle when I'm taking shots in the road. It serves as a good warning and I've never had a problam with other drivers nor police. :-)
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Jason
(K=525) - Comment Date 2/23/2004
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A dream come true would be to get up a 0500, head out for a day of shooting, every day for the next 50 years. I like to take a few bean bags to support my camera on a partaly open window. Especially if you don't want to scare off your subject....
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Randall Ellis
(K=208) - Comment Date 7/23/2004
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I try to always have some sort of camera in the car with me wherever I go. I keep a Canon A60 in the car at least if I don't have one or two others as well. I always have something with me! There have been many times that I saw a neat shot when driving about or going somewhere specific. The best subjects seem to be the most ephemeral so even if you just get a quick shot or two in available light at least you have A shot of it for when you return there is no guarantee that your subject will still be there.
Another commentor has a great idea, stick to the back roads. That is about the only place where left where unique wonders may be discovered just around the next bend!
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Geoff Simmons
(K=264) - Comment Date 9/22/2004
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If you were driving west on the highway near Forest Grove, OR last Sunday night, you would have seen me pulled over on the roof of my Forester taking a picture of the sunset :)
I need to be better about taking my camera with me, because far too often I see something incredible and can't do anything but curse...
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Lora Haworth
(K=27) - Comment Date 10/25/2004
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We go riding Atv's on mountain roads. I have a waterproof/dustproof clam on the front of my quad for my camera case and tripod. When I ride I am looking at everything and I can pull over and take my shots. The atv is small an manuverable and can go into romote areas that you don't want to drive a full sized auto/truck.
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Mark Sherman
(K=15669) - Comment Date 11/2/2004
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Country roads are awesome, I don't mind parking the car, and walking too. Hiking is a good way too. Highways are great too, they usually cut thru some expanse. I just found this out, insects, was trying to take a picture and got stung by fire ants.
Have Fun.
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Michael Kanemoto
(K=22115) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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1. Don't tresspass where posted. A rifle beats a camera any day. Shotgun pellets and rock salt hurts even from a distance.
2. Yeah - pull over.
3. When the cops pull over to help you out, just wave and point to the camera. They get it.
4. Ditches have snakes. Go while it's cool out and they are slow and stupid.
5. Cows can hurt you. Horses too.
6. Bison can outrun you, and they are eternally angry.
7. Ladders can help!
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Marilyn Nagy
(K=6008) - Comment Date 1/13/2005
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Eric, I take alot of photos out in the Everglades. I have a honda prelude 5 speed and it's great for making Uturns and getting back on the road quickly. My problem is I spot something,slow down and park far enough off the road. Sometimes I have to park on one side of the road and run across to the other side for the photo. I get all set up to take the shot when someone honks (mostly truckers) and scares the bird away. Sooo frustrating! LOL But I've gotten my best shots that way as well. Happy shooting. Marilyn
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Marilyn Nagy
(K=6008) - Comment Date 1/13/2005
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Mark, Got a foot full of them the other day. Like I don't know they're there. LOL But now really watch for them. Marilyn
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Mark Sherman
(K=15669) - Comment Date 1/13/2005
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They make you quite aware of your surroundings. :-)
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Michael Kanemoto
(K=22115) - Comment Date 6/22/2005
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Eric:
Additional thoughts -
Keep a tripod and camera with you or in the car all the time. Insure it against theft if you have to.
If you have the chance to pack a kit of lenses go ahead - you never know what you can come across!
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Marcus Armani
(K=36599) - Comment Date 7/8/2005
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Thats funny marilyn, I do the exact same thing on a hwy 1 which is ocean front, I park my celica right on the side of the road as the hawks love to perch on the polls overlooking the hwy, the only difference is I position myself lighting wise and wait for a car or trucker to scare him off the pole so I can get him in flight..
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Onur Cepheli
(K=165) - Comment Date 7/14/2005
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http://www.usefilm.com/image/857900.html
This is my first photo on usefilm.
Expamle for my roadside photography.
Taken while the car is going!
We are allowed to give links to our photos right?
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Marilyn Nagy
(K=6008) - Comment Date 7/24/2005
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Ah Marcus, So that's how you do it. Alot of patience and fast thinking to get that flying bird shot. You do it so well. Thanks for the idea. Marilyn
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